Acupuncture points for dry cough

Thursday, December 24, 2015 Posted by Saravanan V

Acupuncture points for dry cough


A dry cough is a non-productive cough caused by irritation or inflammation in the throat and chest.

A dry cough is a type of cough which does not produce any mucus or phlegm. It is closely related to tickly coughs and often, these terms are used interchangeably. Read about the causes, remedies and what you should be looking out for when you have a dry cough.



A dry cough is most often the result of infection by cold and flu viruses. It can also be triggered by atmospheric pollutants (such as cigarette smoke) irritating your throat. In most of these situations, dry coughs occur because the back of your throat (or pharynx) becomes irritated or inflamed, but may also arise from deeper in the chest.



Causes of coughing:

Coughs can be caused by a wide variety of factors:


1. Viruses responsible for colds and flu are perhaps the most common causes leading to chesty, tickly and dry coughs

2. Smoking is associated with chesty coughs as cigarette smoke irritates the lungs and an excessive amount of mucus is produced. This gives rise to the characteristic sound of the ‘smoker’s cough’

3. Hayfever and other allergies can sometimes lead to a cough. This is because it can cause inflammation in the respiratory system leading to a dry or tickly cough.

4. Feeling nervous and under stress can cause a dry cough - for example, during a job interview

5. Dry coughs may also be associated with psychological conditions including low mood or depression

6. All types of cough can be a sign of a variety of lung conditions ranging from asthma to lung cancer

7. Heart disease can lead to fluid building up in the lungs giving rise to a dry cough initially and latter a cough which brings up white, frothy sputum

8. Certain prescribed medicines may produce dry coughs as a side effect



Causes of dry coughs


The most common causes of a dry cough are the viral infections we know as the common cold and flu. These coughs may occur at the start of the illness or most often, towards the middle or the end of the infection.


Other causes of a dry cough include:
    • Side-effect of medication – some medicines, particularly those for high blood pressure, can result in a dry cough
    • Hayfever - this is an allergy to grass and tree pollen. It sets off inflammation in the eyes and nose. Sometimes, this inflammation can also affect the deeper tissues in the chest, leading to a dry cough.
    • Psychological conditions – this is when coughing has become a habit. It is also sometimes referred to as a psychogenic cough. There is no physical illness behind the cough and often the person does not even realise he or she is coughing. A feature of this type of cough is that it goes away when one is asleep
    • Nerves and stress – many people cough when they are in a stressful situation. Breathing becomes shallow when you are anxious and this can trigger the cough reflex. Some people tend to be more anxious than others, and for them the ‘natural’ nervous cough can become a problem if they find themselves in uncomfortable situations. Often, the underlying problem will have to be addressed in order to cure the dry cough.

Persistent dry coughs

A dry cough that lingers for more than three weeks may be the result of an underlying medical condition such as:
  • Asthma – this is a recurring disease which causes your airways to become inflamed and partially blocked
  • Heart disease – this is one of the most common causes of ill-health in the Western world. Heart problems can lead to heart failure and a build up of fluid in the lungs and a persistent cough, especially at night
  • Lung problems and cancer – a persistent cough can also be a specific sign of lung problems, including lung cancer
  • Whooping cough – this is a bacterial disease caused by Bordetella pertussis characterised by bouts of coughing followed by gasping of air in a distinctive ‘whoop’ sound. It is not as common as it used to be
  • TB – Tuberculosis is a highly infectious bacterial disease which primarily affects the lungs. In the early stages, it gives rise to a persistent dry cough. TB was once thought to have become extinct throughout the World, but cases have increased recently because of a combination of drug resistance and lowered immune resistance.
Types of Cough

While you may be bringing up a lot of mucus when you cough, the person next to you might be experiencing a dry or tickly cough. This is because coughs can be described in a number of different ways:

  • Chesty cough  – this type of cough is also known as a productive or mucous cough because it expels mucus from the upper airways
  • Tickly cough  – this cough does not produce mucus and is known as a non-productive cough. Something is irritating your throat and this stimulates the cough reflex
  • Dry cough  – this is another non-productive cough and is similar to a tickly cough although causes can be different
  • Persistent cough  – this is a cough which lingers for more than three weeks. The term can be applied to both productive and non-productive coughs
  • Smoker’s cough – this is the result of long-term smoking and arises as the lungs try to clear of toxins gathering in the respiratory system.


Major Points:
 1. (Bl 13): the back transport point of the lung meridian, it helps promote the flow of lung qi and clear accumulated pathogens.
 2. (Cv 22): an acupoint located in the throat region, it belongs to the conception vessel meridian which has a branch to connect the throat. Stimulating it effects on the local region, or the involved nearby tissues and organs.





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Wind-cold cough
(Coughing with thin and white phlegm, nasal congestion, headache, chills and fever)
 1.  (Lu 7): the connecting point of the lung meridian.

2.  (Li 4): the source point of the large intestine meridian, it works together with lie que (Lu 7), to enhance the efficacy of lung functioning.
3.  (Gv 14): the crossing point of the yang meridians with the governor vessel meridian, it helps the body to disperse pathogens and relieve fever.
4.  (Gb 20): specializes in relieving cold symptoms like congestion, headache, runny nose and eye soreness.
feng men (Bl 12)
neck stiffness.

*Fei shu (BI 13) and da zhui (Gv14) are suggested for moxibustion.










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Wind-heat coughts
(Coughing with yellow and thick phlegm, throat soreness, thirst, fever and headache)

       1. (Li 11): the sea point of the large intestine meridian.
       2.  (Lu 5): the sea point of the lung meridian. It works together with qu chi (Li 11) to resume the qi flow of the lungs so as to arrest coughing.
      3.  (Lu 11): the well point of the lung meridian, it specializes in relieving throat soreness, fever and cough.
      4.  (Gv 14): the crossing point of the yang meridians with the governor vessel meridian, it promotes the body to disperse pathogens and relieve fever.
* Fei shu (Bl 13) and da zhui (Gv14) are suggested for blood-letting.












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Phlegm-dampness cough
(Coughing with copious white and sticky phlegm, fatigue, stuffiness in the chest and stomach, and a thick tongue coating)

      1. (Bl 20): the back transport point of the spleen meridian, it resolves phlegm and expels dampness.
      2. (St 40): the connecting point of the stomach meridian, it specializes in relieving productive cough.
      3. (Sp3): the source point of the spleen meridian, it works together with feng long (St 40) to enhance the efficacy of spleen functioning.
      4. (Lu 9): the source point and stream point of the lung meridian. It regulates the flow of lung qi, relieves cough and shortness of breath.
* All the points can be used with moxibustion.









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Lung-deficient cough
(A productive weak coughing with thin and white phlegm, shortness of breath, wheezing, poor appetite, fatigue and sweating)

      1. (Lu 7): the connecting point of the lung meridian.
      2. (Lu 9): the source point and stream point of the lung meridian. It regulates the flow of lung qi, relieves cough and shortness of breath.
      3. (St 36): the sea point of the stomach meridian, it promotes the spleen and stomach to produce more qi to supply the lungs.
      4. (Cv 6): a point belongs to the conception vessel meridian, it enhances the overall qi condition of the body.

* All the points are suggested for moxibustion.







-----------------------------------------------
Best food for Lungs:
Water – Water plays a huge role in health and is the base of any cleansing action. Pure, clean water is essential to keeping blood flowing to and from the lungs. It also keeps our lungs hydrated and the mucus flowing. It may sound disgusting, but that mucus is important and needs to be the right consistency for the cilia to move it—along with toxins, microbes, and pollutants—out.

Garlic and Onions – These pungent foods are great for the heart and thus the lungs too. They reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and fight infection.

Ginger – This spice has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the elimination of pollutants from the lungs.

Chili Peppers – Peppers are filled with capsaicin, the spicy compound that gives them their bite. Capsaicin improves blood flow, stimulates mucus membranes, and fights infection.

Thanks.
Saravanan.V

ref:
Shen-nong, avogel, yinyanghouse, St. John, Meredith, Valaskatgis, Peter and sunwarrior.



Acupuncture Points for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Thursday, December 10, 2015 Posted by Saravanan V
Hi,

Today we will know about PCOS.



Four to ten percent of women of childbearing age have polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS. It can occur in girls as young as 11 years old.

In approximately 75% of cases where young women have problems with menstruation due to late puberty, PCOS is often diagnosed. Irregular, infrequent or absent periods, or periods with heavy flow and unbearable pain, are all variations of the problem. Sometimes PCOS presents itself much later in life when a woman of childbearing age stops using contraceptive pills and finds herself having very long cycles or no cycles at all, and is unable to conceive.

Symptoms of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex syndrome that includes problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle (length, intensity), her ability to have children, her hormone levels, and her appearance (excessive hair growth on the chin and cheeks, acne, weight gain, baldness).


Women with PCOS often have ovaries that contain many small cysts, of a size seldom exceeding 0.5 cm.

The symptoms of PCOS can vary from woman to woman, with some women suffering more than others. Symptoms can include any of the following:

 1. Infertility due to lack of ovulation (PCOS is the most common cause of infertility)
 2. Anxiety; Depression
 3. Menstrual irregularities: irregular or absent menses
 4. Heavy menstruation (especially if periods are late)
 5. Painful menstruation or pain during ovulation, bleeding in the middle of a cycle
 6. Pelvic pain (distention, heaviness, stabbing pain)
 7. Physical changes (often occurring at a later stage but not always): increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs or toes, weight gain around the waist, an inability to lose weight despite physical exercise, acne, dandruff, thinning hair (looking like male baldness)
8. Multiple cysts on the ovaries diagnosed by ultrasound.


The cause of PCOS

The cause of PCOS is unknown, but most experts think that several factors, including genetics, could play a role. One main underlying problem with PCOS is hormonal imbalance. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than normal. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. Researchers also think that insulin may be linked to PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that controls the conversion of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body to use or store.


PCOS is generally diagnosed by a medical doctor after a thorough investigation of patient history, a physical and/or pelvic examination, pelvic ultrasound and endometrial lining thickness and blood tests to check hormonal levels. PCOS cysts need to be differentiated from functional cysts, which resolve on their own and require no treatment.

The ovaries, where a woman’s eggs are produced, have tiny fluid-filled sacs called follicles or cysts. As the egg grows, the follicle builds up fluid. When the egg matures, the follicle breaks open, the egg is released, and the egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus (womb) for fertilization. This is called ovulation.


In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn’t produce all of the hormones an egg needs in order to fully mature. The follicles may start to grow and build up fluid, but ovulation does not occur. Instead, some follicles may remain as cysts. For these reasons, ovulation does not occur and the hormone, progesterone, is not produced. Without progesterone, a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent altogether. PCOS is a cause of infertility, as the eggs are not released and ovulation occurs irregularly or not at all.


Lifestyle Changes

i) Young women should have regular moderate exercise in the sun. Around the time of menstruation, exercise should be reduced.

ii) Relax and avoid strong emotions, especially around menstruation time.

iii) Avoid cold environments, foods and beverages (cheese, dairy products especially ice creams and milkshakes). On cold days during menstruation, use a hot water bottle and place it on the abdomen. Do not swim while menstruating.

iv) Cut out all forms of refined sugar and carbohydrates: white bread, pasta, white rice, rice cakes, most breakfast cereals, and all starchy, low-fibre foods.
Avoid sweeteners, soda, fruit juice and any drinks that rapidly raise the blood sugar level, as PCOS is linked to Type 2 diabetes.

v) It is important to record day one of your menstrual cycle, the duration, condition of the blood (quality, amount, colour). If you suffer from delayed periods or period pain, it is recommended you address this in the early stages in order to avoid polycystic ovaries.



Acupuncture for PCOS

Acupuncture treatments are typically given once a week and sometimes more often, especially when there is pain before menstruation or mid-cycle. The duration of treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs depends on the duration of the disease, intensity of the symptoms, and the Chinese medicine diagnosis. Typically, at least three months of continuous treatment is required.

Acupuncture points : ST28, ST30, K13, SP6, BL23, GV4.








Thanks.
References
http://vitalitymagazine.com/ 

Acupuncture points for infertility

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Posted by Saravanan V

Hi. :) 

Today i will write about acupuncture points for infertility. 
so i will add some basic details about infertility.




what is infertility?
Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system often diagnosed after a couple has had one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse, or if the woman has suffered from multiple miscarriages and the woman is under 35 years of age. If the woman is over 35 years old, it is diagnosed after 6 months of unprotected, well-timed intercourse.

who gets it?
Infertility is a medical problem. Approximately 30% of infertility is due to a female factor and 30% is due to a male factor. In the balance of the cases, infertility results from problems in both partners or the cause of the infertility cannot be explained.


Causes of infertility in women

Conditions affecting a woman’s fertility can include:
  • 1. damage to the Fallopian tubes
  • 2. ovulatory problems
  • 3. endometriosis
  • 4. conditions affecting the uterus
  • 5. a combination of factors
  • 6. no identifiable reason.



Other factors that may play a part include:

  1. 1. Age – female fertility declines sharply after the age of 35
  2. 2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  3. 3. gynecological problems such as previous ectopic pregnancy or having had more  than one miscarriage
  4. 4. medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and thyroid and bowel diseases
  5. 5. lifestyle factors such as stress, being overweight or underweight, and smoking.



Causes of infertility in men

Conditions that may result in infertility include:
  • 1.  low sperm count or quality
  •  2. problems with the tubes carrying sperm
  •  3. problems getting an erection
  •  4. problems ejaculating.



Acupuncture points for male and female. (both)

Numerous studies show that acupuncture cansuccessfully stimulate ovulation and normalise dysfunctuion of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis in patients with anovulation disorder,  as well as optimising endometrial receptivity by increasing uterine and ovarian blood flow, and treating endocrine dysfunctional infertility.

Note: When treating infertility cases it is imperative that the male partner receive a sperm analysis. Regardless, it may be beneficial for both partners to receive regular treatments.

Attempt 1.  

Cold in the Uterus
Signs & Symptoms:
1. Patient will likely appear pale, delayed menstruation w/dark dilute flow, pain a/or coldness of the lower abdomen which improves with the application of heat, aversion to cold, cold limbs, may also have weak back/knees a/or profuse clear urination
2. Tongue: Pale
3. Pulse: Deep, slow

1. Treatment Points:
 Valaskatagis Point Selection:
 CV 5 
 CV 2 
 CV 4 
 GV 4 
 KD 3 

 Maciocia Point Selection:
 CV 2 
 CV 4 
 GV 4 
 KD 7 
 UB 23 - KD 



Attempt 2.


Blood Stagnation w/Phlegm - Excess Condition
        Signs & Symptoms:

1. Patient is likely to be overweight, irregular menstruation w/clotting, delayed most likely, chest a/or hypochondriac distention, irritability, palpitation, dizziness, profuse sticky leukorrhea.
2. Tongue: White greasy coat w/purple spots
3.  Pulse: Deep, wiry

2.Treatment Points:
 Valaskatagis Point Selection:
  CV 3 
 ST 30 
 KD 13 
 ST 40 
 SP 6 
 If discharge - SP 9
Maciocia Point Selection:

 CV 3 
    ST 28 
 SP 9 
 SP 6 
 CV 9 
 LU 7 w/KD 6 
 ST 30 
  KD 14 
 UB 32 
 TH 5 w/GB 41 
 Treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tubes
 Use large needles stimulation from positive CV 4 to negative UB 32


Attempt 3.


KD Yang Deficiency
Signs & Symptoms:
1. Irregular menstruation w/scanty pinkish Blood, weak back a/or knees, fatigue, dizziness.
2. Tongue: Thin white coat
3. Pulse: Deep, thin, particularly weak in the KD position

3. Treatment Points:
Valaskatagis Point Selection:
 This is a general treatment for KD Deficiency (i.e. not strongly Yin or Yang)
 UB 23
 KD 13 
  KD 2
 KD 3
 CV 4 
 If dizziness a/or tinnitus - TH 17
 If weak back a/or knees - KD 10

  Maciocia Point Selection:
 KD 13
 KD 3 
 UB 23 
 UB 52 
 KD 6 w/LU 7 -
 CV 8 
 CV 4 
 GV 4 


Attempt 4

 KD Yin Deficiency
 Signs & Symptoms:

1.  Irregular menstruation, sore back, constipation, mallor flush, night sweats, heat in the 5 palms, insomnia, dry throat, dizziness, vertigo
2. Tongue: Red w/no coat
3. Pulse: Floating, empty, rapid

   4.  Treatment Points:
 Maciocia Point Selection:
 CV 4 
 CV 7 
 KD 3 
 KD 13 
 LU 7 w/KD 6 
 SP 6 
 UB 52 


Attempt 5

Blood Deficiency
Signs & Symptoms:
1. Delayed menstruation w/scanty, pinkish flow, emaciation, sallow complexion, fatigue, dizziness, may also have palpitations a/or insomnia if HT Blood is deficient
2. Tongue: Pale, possibly swollen
 3. Pulse: Deep, thin, weak

5. Treatment Points:
Valaskatagis Point Selection:
 CV 4 
 KD 13
 SP 6 
 ST 36
 UB 18
 UB 20
 If signs of hot Blood - SP 10
 If insomnia/palpitations - HT 7
 If dizziness - GV 20

 Maciocia Point Selection:
 Same Points as above plus the following
 UB 23 - KD Shu
 UB 17 - hui meeting of the Blood, instead of UB 18 above

All infertility acupuncture points images i will update soon. 


Thanks.
SaroEpic.

This five attempt enough. 

The information collected from yinyang site, medicinenet, resolve.org.
St. John, Meredith: New England School of Acupuncture, Etiology and Pathology Lecture Notes
Valaskatgis, Peter: New England School of Acupuncture, Etiology and Pathology Lecture Notes





Acupuncture points for winter seasons

Thursday, December 3, 2015 Posted by Saravanan V
Hi,

Today we will discuss about acupuncture points for winter.  here are 4 points you can use to treat affected from winter based cold patients




St 36 – located below the knee, about 3 inches below the little depression in the outer side of the knee. About 1 inch to the side of the shin bone.

This is one of the most important points on the body. yes It is very important for overall health and it is believed in China that every person over 50 should press this point every day. It has been shown to lower blood pressure. It has also been proven to boost immunity by actually  boosting the white blood cell count in the body. It helps treat digestive problems including constipation, gas, gurgling stomach. And is good for raising your energy level. Overall it would be beneficial to everyone to press on this point every day.

Li4 – located on the hand in the center of the web between the pointer finger and the thumb. It will feel tender when you press on it.

LI4 is excellent for pain anywhere in the body. It is even used in China during surgical procedures to lessen the amount of anesthesia needed! It is good for treating arthritis pain, toothaches, headaches, and stress.



Liv3 – located on the foot at the tender spot just below the web of the big toe and the toe next to it.

When pressed together with LI4 this combo is called the 4 Gates. It is believed to open the gates of all the body’s energy so it can flow freely and restore balance. It is good for treating migraines, stress, acid reflux and digestive problems caused by stress.




Sp6 – located on the inner side of the lower leg. About 3 inches above the inner ankle bone, just at the lower edge of the shin bone.

An extremely important point for digestion, boosting energy, nourishing the blood, and overall health. Helps heal fatigue, gas. Also helps stop a mind that is always worrying and helps allow deeper more restful sleep.

All about relaxation. A very powerful point. Press this point, take a deep breath and relax!

Thanks.

Loss weight for jogging plan

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 Posted by Saravanan V
Hi,

Today we discuss about loss weight jogging plan.



Here are three good reasons to pick up the pace when you exercise: It's easier than you think, you'll get fitter and healthier in no time, and you'll reach your weight loss goals faster.

Yet all these benefits are lost on millions of women who are afraid to take that first quick step. "They think it's just for jocks, or they've tried it before and hated it," says Jane Serues, a women's running coach based in Springtown, PA, and founder of First Strides, a beginner walking and running workshop for women.

The secret, she says, is getting your muscles, connective tissues, and joints accustomed to the higher intensity by slowly sneaking jogging into your walking workouts. "I've seen hundreds of women who thought they could never run a mile just glow when they finish a 5-K ."

Serues designed the 12-week walk-to-jog program to get you in shape to run a 5-K this summer--whether you'll actually run one or not. (If you do, you'll get a cool T-shirt and sometimes a bag of free stuff just for showing up.)

Before you begin, you should be able to walk for 20 minutes comfortably. Walk for 5 minutes to warm up before your workout and to cool down afterward; stretch when you're done. After 12 weeks, you should be able to jog continuously for 45 minutes.
Walk-to-Jog Plan Glossary
Walk:JogThe first number is the amount of time you walk; the second number is the amount of time you jog.

RepsThe number of times you repeat the Walk:Jog sequence.

Total TimeThe total minutes you walk plus the total you jog after completing the recommended number of reps (not including a warm-up and cool-down).

FrequencyThe number of times per week to do this workout. Early on, try to give yourself a rest day between workouts while your body adjusts to the higher intensity.

Walk-to-Jog Plan
Top 5 tips for Jogging
lot of days speaking, if you can walk, you can jog. But since jogging is a higher-impact activity, it requires slightly more preparation to do it safely.

(If you're 55 or older--45 for men--or have any health or joint problems, check with your doctor before beginning a jogging program.) 



Here are 5 tips for loss weight jogging:

1. Must Upgrade your shoes first.Because you're propelling yourself higher off the ground, jogging involves more impact than walking does. This is good for your bones, but without the right footwear, it can be stressful on your joints. Running shoes are designed to help your feet strike the ground properly and reduce the amount of shock your legs absorb. Seek help at a specialty running store to find the pair that fits you best.


2. Stretch your calves.Stand about 2 feet away from a wall to start. Step forward and place your right foot at a 45-degree angle against the wall, with the ball of your foot pressing against it and your heel on the ground. Place your hands on the wall at chest level, and lean your hips toward the wall (your back heel will come off the ground) until you feel a stretch in your right calf. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch legs.


3. Strengthen your legs with step-ups.For a great leg and ankle exercise, stand facing a step, with your hands on your hips. Place your left foot on the step and slowly lift yourself up. Just tap your right foot on the top of the step without placing any weight on it, then slowly lower your right foot back to the ground. Then step off with your left foot. Repeat, alternating feet for a total of 60 seconds. Doing step-ups before or after a run will help you avoid injuries by strengthening the muscles that support your joints.


4. Tame the bounce.Your breasts need special bounce protection against the ups and downs of jogging. Major athletic-wear stores carry sports bras for every shape and size.


5. Seek softer surfaces.Dirt roads, cinder walkways, jogging trails, treadmills, and even blacktop paths have more cushioning than concrete sidewalks.

Thanks